Candleridge Apartments in Waukee, IA

Seniors.FYI Elite Community Awards

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Pros

• The staff are professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in creating a positive living experience for residents.
• Trang and Shianna are incredibly kind, professional, and always go above and beyond to help residents feel at home.
• The apartments are beautifully maintained, and the community feels welcoming and well cared for.
• Maintenance staff, like Chuck, are quick and effective at handling requests.
• Shianna and Trang consistently organize engaging resident events and foster a strong sense of community.
• The leasing staff are amazing, friendly, and quick to answer questions.
• The move-in process is seamless, with the team guiding residents smoothly.
• The property is luxurious, featuring upscale units and thoughtfully designed amenities.
• Shaina is a gem who treats residents like family.
• The grounds and landscaping are well kept, contributing to a polished overall environment.

Cons

• Trang twice attempted to have the resident's service animal removed without hearing their side or conducting a proper investigation.
• Trang sent notices that felt more like harassment than professional correspondence, instead of direct communication.
• Trang admitted she was having a bad day and used a dog-bark incident as justification for removing the dog.
• The resident felt dirty looks, strange warnings, and notices on the door, making them feel targeted.
• On multiple occasions, large dogs were off-leash in hallways and displayed aggressive behavior toward the resident's wife and children.
• Management's refusal to provide reasonable accommodations for disability under FHA and state law is described as a blatant violation and discriminatory.
• The environment was criticized as not family-friendly, with some neighbors not friendly and a lack of a true community feel.
• An interaction with a leasing office staff member was described as negative and confrontational, indicating a lack of professionalism.

Review

This community in Waukee is best suited for renters who want a premium, amenity-forward living experience and place a high value on a strong, resident-driven sense of community. It is especially well-suited for professionals, couples, and plant lovers who appreciate modern, well-maintained interiors, plentiful common spaces, and events that foster neighbor connections. The standout feature is the staff-driven culture: a responsive leasing team and a hands-on management presence that elevates day-to-day living. For many residents, the combination of upscale apartments, thoughtful amenities, and a focus on community events translates into a home that feels carefully curated rather than merely rented. When the team is functioning at peak, this property delivers a lifestyle that rivals luxury urban living, with the added benefit of a quieter, suburban setting.

That said, families or renters on tight budgets should consider alternatives. The price point is a meaningful factor here, with reported rents that can stretch comparison-shopping for larger households or for those seeking more space per dollar. Some reviewers note that the layout options skew toward singles or couples, and walls can be thin in certain buildings, which may not suit households with children or those who crave extra sound insulation. Additionally, a segment of prospective residents will want to verify stability in on-site leadership and the handling of sensitive issues; a high-profile complaint about a former manager and disability accommodations signals that management consistency matters. For anyone prioritizing a truly “family-first” environment, or for those who need predictable, legally airtight responses to accommodations, alternatives may be worth evaluating.

The community’s strengths are substantial and clearly offset many of the potential drawbacks. Luxurious, modern interiors, often described as “stunning” and “new”, are complemented by enviable amenities: a heated pool, multiple fire pits, a scenic courtyard, grills, a mini golf course, tennis courts, and generous on-site storage. Residents routinely praise the quality of maintenance and the attentiveness of the team, including maintenance staff who resolve issues quickly and keep common areas pristine. The resident experience is amplified by a robust schedule of events and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, driven by managers who make a point of knowing residents by name and fostering connection. For plant enthusiasts and pet owners, the environment feels welcoming and thoughtful, with pet-friendly policies and a sense that the grounds are kept clean and inviting for both people and their four-legged companions.

There are legitimate caveats to weigh against those advantages. One recurring concern centers on price alongside perceived family-friendliness. Several reviewers describe the property as less suited to larger households or to families seeking more substantial living space at a lower cost. Others mention that some amenities are still under construction or may not be available immediately, which can temper expectations for those seeking a turnkey playbook of resort-style features. In addition, while complaints about one manager were documented, the broader narrative across dozens of reviews is overwhelmingly positive about the staff, yet the polarizing incidents should prompt cautious scrutiny for any family or resident with heightened sensitivity to how disputes are handled and how accommodations are managed under the law.

How the pros offset the cons hinges on priorities. For those who prize a sophisticated living environment, the premium finish, meticulous maintenance, and a community-centric culture can justify the price and occasional gaps in immediate amenity availability. The onboarding experience, particularly with Shianna and Trang, stands out as exemplary: clear communication, efficient processing, and hands-on support during move-in, plus ongoing responsiveness that gives residents confidence they are not simply renting a unit but joining a community. The strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and engaging resident events helps create a sense of belonging that is hard to match in newer, less curated properties. On balance, the positives often eclipse the negatives for residents who value culture, creature comforts, and a dependable level of service.

The bottom line is decisive. Fireside at Waukee is a top-tier choice for renters who want luxury, a built-in social framework, and a responsive, resident-focused team. It is particularly compelling for professionals, couples, and plant-and-pet enthusiasts who relish well-designed spaces, a vibrant courtyard and activity calendar, and staff who consistently go beyond the call. For families counting every square foot, or for those on a tighter budget seeking more space per dollar, alternatives worth comparing should not be dismissed. Prospective residents should prioritize a live tour with Shianna and Trang to gauge current leadership dynamics, confirm the status of key amenities, and verify how disability accommodations are handled in practice. When the fit is right, this community offers a living experience that can feel like a thoughtfully designed home rather than simply an apartment.

This area in Waukee, Iowa is a convenient and accessible location with a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. There are several restaurants nearby such as McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Los Tres Amigos for dining options. Additionally, there are multiple physicians' offices including Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics and Mercy Waukee Medical Clinic for easy access to healthcare services. The Palms Theatres & IMAX is close by for entertainment, and parks such as Grant Park and Westown Meadows Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Places of worship like Westview Church cater to spiritual needs, while Mercy Medical Center West Lake is available for any medical emergencies. Overall, this area offers a mix of conveniences that could make it an attractive option for seniors looking to settle down in Waukee.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.2 miles)
• Los Tres Amigos (0.2 miles)
• Burger King (0.3 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.3 miles)
• IHOP (0.6 miles)
• B Bops Waukee (0.8 miles)

Physicians

• Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics (0.2 miles)
• Waukee Pediatrics (0.2 miles)
• Mercy Waukee Medical Clinic (0.3 miles)
• MercyOne Waukee Family Medicine (0.3 miles)
• Country Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Brian L Waggoner, MD (1.2 miles)
• Waggoner Pediatrics of Central Iowa (Des Moines Pediatrics-West) (1.3 miles)

Theaters

• The Palms Theatres & IMAX (0.3 miles)
• Century Theatre (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Scotters Coffee (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• Outcomes Pharmaceutical Health Care (5.3 miles)
• National Pharmaceutical Returns (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Grant Park (1.6 miles)
• Westown Meadows Park (1.9 miles)
• Stonegate Park (2.1 miles)
• Playground At Maple Grove School (2.2 miles)
• Waterford Disc Golf Course (3.5 miles)
• Valley View Park (3.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westview Church (2 miles)
• Living Faith Lutheran Church (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Medical Center West Lake (4.2 miles)